This is professional registered nursing work in a County health facility or County health program.

Duties include examination, treatment, and care of patients in a County health clinic, residential center, and/or nursing home or for a County health program.

Work is performed in accordance with established general registered nursing standards, state and federal rules and regulations, and established County and division policies and procedures. Considerable judgment and initiative are required in working with subordinate staff, attending to patients' needs, and administering prescribed medications and treatments. Work is reviewed by a professional superior through observation, conferences and the analysis of patients' records.

This classification may report to a Registered Nurse II, a Psychiatric Nurse II, or other clinical superior, depending upon area of assignment, who will assess, evaluate, and monitor job performance through observation and monitoring of job performance and review of medical records.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

(Some tasks may vary slightly based on area of assignment. Presented in no particular order).

Accounts for and maintains the inventory of drugs and medical supplies.

Administers medications to patients as prescribed by a physician.

Assesses and appropriately responds to client or patient medical emergencies.

Communicates effectively orally and in writing.

Confers with clients or patients, their caregivers and family members regarding issues of care and treatment.

Enters nursing notes, treatment notes, and other related information in patient medical records or other files which may involve entering data to an agency computer-based application.

Files patient charts and prepares periodic reports.

Follows orders of physicians or other health care providers, documenting activities in the medical record.

In the absence of superiors, may supervise subordinate health services staff.

May administer comprehensive nursing assessments .

May assist with linking clients or patients with appropriate resources in the community.

May assist in preparing clinics.

May review medical records in connection with allegations of child abuse and neglect and complete nursing assessments, as required for the area of assignment.

May complete admissions and discharge/transfer procedures.

May initiate health education on specific conditions.

May make visits to nursing homes or other venues for patients who are undergoing continuous treatment.

May perform intake interviews for patient admissions.

May supervise and participate in the sterilization of instruments and equipment.

(May vary slightly for area of assignment. Presented in no particular order).

Some knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of professional nursing.

Some knowledge of the measures and techniques used in the prevention of a variety of communicable diseases and health problems.

Some knowledge of the functions of community health and social services agencies.

Some knowledge of public health laws, JCAHO standards, federal confidentiality laws (42CFR, 45CFR), and state regulations (65D-30) and others as required for the area of assignment.

Some knowledge of nursing practices specific to the area of assignment, e.g., pediatrics, treating abused and/or neglected children, etc.

Some knowledge of infection control practices and procedures.

Some knowledge of general medications and/or specialized medications required by the area of assignment.

Some knowledge of clinical and institutional sanitation and personal hygiene.

Ability to effectively instruct clients and patients in health services procedures and techniques.

Ability to effectively work in an inter-disciplinary team.

Ability to establish and maintain a variety of clinical records and prepare required reports.

Ability to recognize and identify health symptoms.

Ability to understand and carry out detailed instructions of a technical and professional nature.

Ability to understand and interpret public health laws and regulations.

Ability to use a personal computer.

Ability to serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the letter and spirit of BrowardCounty's Ethics and Conflict of Interest policies.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, elected and appointed officials and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or political affiliation.

Skill in basic word processing and computer data entry.

Skill in the use and application of medical instruments and equipment.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

Graduation from an accredited registered nurse program; six months of experience as a registered nurse; or any equivalent combination of relevant training and experience.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

Licensed as a registered nurse in the State of Florida. Depending upon area of assignment, may be required to possess a valid Florida driver’s license and be able to drive and to obtain and maintain authority to drive on County business. May be required to obtain and maintain CPR certification.